Which health problem poses a possible threat to food safety?

A sore throat accompanied by a fever is significant because it can indicate a contagious illness, such as streptococcal throat infection or another viral infection, that can be transmitted through food handling. When food handlers are ill, they can inadvertently contaminate food with pathogens that can lead to foodborne illness. This is particularly concerning in a food service environment where the risk of spreading infection is higher, especially through food that may not be thoroughly cooked or properly handled.

In contrast, while headaches, colds, flu, and minor skin rashes may cause discomfort, they do not present the same level of risk for food contamination as a sore throat with fever does. Headaches are often unrelated to infectious diseases, and while colds and flu can spread, they typically do not involve symptoms directly related to food safety. Minor skin rashes may not pose a significant threat unless they are infected or cover open wounds. Thus, the presence of a sore throat with fever directly raises the concern regarding the health and safety of the food being handled.